1 . Friends always ask why I, a middle-aged woman with no athletic (运动) talent (天赋), travel to perilous places — the jungles (丛林) of Thailand or Borneo, for example, where the water is often unsafe and the food risky; places with infectious diseases, poisonous snakes and the wildest animals.
I never know how to answer. Nine years ago I suffered a stroke (中风). To prevent another stroke, my doctors told me, I’d have to take dangerously high levels of blood thinner (血液稀释剂) for the rest of my life and any travel would be risky (冒险的).
I had to think about what was important to me: family, of course, and friends. But then what? No matter how many times I thought about it, I could not be happy without travel. Then I had to decide how I might manage the risk.
The first real test of my travel courage came nine months after my stroke when I joined my husband, Jack, on a business trip to China. After we’d toured the remains of a Tang dynasty temple on a high mountain, Jack wanted to ride down on a toboggan (长雪橇).
Before the stroke it would’ve seemed like fun. But now? I hesitated. My mental klaxon (高音喇叭) screamed warnings about the consequences of a cut, a fall, and a crash. Then, gaining confidence from who knew where, I lowered myself carefully into the toboggan, which marked my adventure (冒险) travel come back.
In the years since then, I’ve traveled about twenty-five percent of the time. Through it all, my lucks held out — no deadly falls, no car accidents or serious infections. For me, adventure travel is a risk worth taking. Travel broadens my world and keeps me connected to nature. What’s more, saying “yes” to travel keeps me connected to myself.
1. What does the underlined word “perilous” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Energetic. | B．Dangerous. | C．Romantic | D．Famous. |
| A．Do proper exercise. | B．Enjoy the rest of her life. |
| C．Spend more time with her family | D．Keep away (远离) from traveling |
| A．It was her last adventure. | B．She recovered (恢复) her courage (勇气) through it. |
| C．She liked the beautiful scenery in China. | D．It was the most dangerous experience in her life. |
| A．A business trip to China | B．Stroke, a dangerous disease |
| C．How I overcame the fear of disease | D．Why I still travel to the wild |
2 . Thailand tourism has always been the top destination for Chinese travelers due to its affordable prices and excellent services. Therefore, we recommend that you also travel to Thailand after the Gaokao to reward yourself for ten years of hard work and studying.
Grand Palace, Bangkok
The Grand Palace is a stunning complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. It features complex architecture, beautiful gardens, and several impressive temples. The palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and admission costs 500 baht (泰铢) per person.
Wat Arun, Bangkok
Wat Arun is a stunning Buddhist temple that sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is known for its great design and impressive top, which are covered in colorful mosaics and seashells. It’s open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and admission costs 100 baht per person. Note that visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a busy market that offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market is open every night from around 6:00 pm to midnight. Admission is free, but be prepared to bargain about prices.
Phuket Old Town, Phuket
Phuket Old Town is a historic district filled with colorful shop houses, cafes, and art galleries. It’s a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Some of the most popular attractions in the area include the Thai Hua Museum and the Phuket Trickeye Museum. Admission prices vary depending on the attraction.
1. Thailand is very popular among Chinese tourists for ______.| A．the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens |
| B．the wide variety of goods in the night market |
| C．the outstanding balance between cost and value |
| D．the impressive Buddhist temple by the river |
| A．Grand Palace, Bangkok. | B．Wat Arun, Bangkok. |
| C．Phuket Old Town, Phuket. | D．Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai. |
| A．Only top quality products are sold here. | B．All the goods here are handmade. |
| C．Some products are free. | D．There is no charge for entry. |
3 . A Fantastic Round Trip Rail Tour of Scotland
※9 days
※$2,395 per person (Travel insurance is not included in the price but can be arranged.)
Special offer
Book a qualifying 2023 escorted(导游陪同) rail tour and save up to $250 per person. Book by November 24, 2022, so that your vacation start or end can be arranged to meet your travel needs.
About the tour
Lakes and valleys, as well as castles and islands, wait for our discovery as we travel through the beautiful island of Scotland. The explorations begin in Edinburgh, where we can explore freely before traveling to Glasgow. In Glasgow, we board the famous West Highland Line and travel along lakes, past mountains, and through unique villages. Leaving the mainland, we journey by ferryboat to the Isle of Mull and enjoy a visit to an ancient castle and authentic Scotch whiskey(威士忌酒). Then, we enjoy highlights such as Neptune’s Staircase, a cruise of Loch Linnhe, a ride aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. and the legendary Loc h Ness. One final train ride, the Kyle Line, takes us to Kyle of Lochalsh, where we visit the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle. After returning to Edinburgh, we can enjoy more representative views.
Highlights
·Three scenic rail excursions(短途旅行)
·Isle of Mull including Duart Castle
·Whiskey tasting
·Visits to Eilean Donan Castle
What’s included
| TRANSPORTATION | ·Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks ·Heritage Rail Excursions ·All rail and coach travel throughout the tour |
| ACCOMMODATION | ·Hotel accommodations for 8 nights? |
| EXCURSIONS & ENTERTAINMENT | ·Services of a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides |
| FOOD &DRINKS | ·15 meals including a special “Scottish Evening”on the final night featuring a Scottish piper(风笛吹奏者) and a traditional Scottish menu |
1. What should you do to get a special offer?
| A．Book by November 24, 2022. | B．Travel in a group of more than three. |
| C．Pay in cash at least 9 days in advance. | D．Determine the travel needs earlier than others. |
| A．By ferryboat. | B．By plane. |
| C．By boarding the Kyle Line. | D．By boarding the West Highland Line. |
| A．Transportation. | B．Accommodation. | C．Food. | D．Travel insurance. |
4 . Set at the entrance to beautiful bays and natural harbors, lighthouses have prevented ships from touching the ground in shallow water for hundreds of years. Sadly, however, many of them are not needed because of effective onboard navigational (导航的) systems. As they were designed to be visible, lighthouses often become very distinctive landmarks: their shapes and colors stand out against the surrounding landscapes. Consequently, they make for some fantastic photo opportunities and are usually set in impressive spots along rocky coastlines or wild seas.
Galle Lighthouse
Located within the ancient walls of Galle Fort, the lighthouse of the same name has protected the surrounding waters ever since it was first built in 1848. While it is the oldest lighthouse in the whole of Sri Lanka, the current lighthouse’s blindingly bright white walls only date back to 1939, when it was rebuilt after a devastating fire.
Hercules Tower Lighthouse
Ever since the second century AD, Hercules Tower Lighthouse has watched out over Spain’s North Atlantic coastline. This remarkably makes it one of the very few oldest lighthouses still in operation today. Such is its age that it is believed to have been modeled after the Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Big Red Lighthouse
Standing proudly at the south side of the Holland Channel, Big Red Lighthouse presents a striking red appearance to increase its visibility in the daytime. Another unusual quality of Big Red is that the rare lighthouse watches over two bodies of water—Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.
1. Who are probably the fans of lighthouses nowadays?| A．Photographers. | B．Historians. |
| C．Sailors. | D．Scientists. |
| A．Galle Lighthouse. | B．The Lighthouse of Alexandria. |
| C．Big Red Lighthouse. | D．Hercules Tower Lighthouse. |
| A．It has the same name as the ancient walls. |
| B．It borders Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. |
| C．It gives off red light to increase its visibility. |
| D．It is modeled after the ancient wonder. |
5 .
One of the most popular travel destinations in the world, England offers almost endless possibilities for vacationers seeking fun things to do and top attractions to visit. | |
| Tower of London Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, the White Tower is home to amazing exhibits, such as Line of Kings, the world's oldest visitor attraction, established in 1652. Other highlights include the impressive Crown Jewels exhibition,classic Yeoman Warder Tours. If you're traveling with children, be sure to check for special events for kids,including"Knights School” and other immersive programs that provide a fun insight into the castle's history. |  |
| Stonehenge Stonehenge is Europe's best-known prehistoric monument. It's so popular that visitors need to reserve a ticket in advance to guarantee entry. Exhibitions at the excellent Stonehenge visitor center set the stage for a visit, explaining through audio-visual experiences and more than 250 ancient objects how the enormous stones were established between 3000 and 1500 BC,and sharing information about life during this time. |  |
| The British Museum With collections of antiquities that are among the world's finest,the British Museum holds more than 13 million artifacts from Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire and China. The most famous artifacts are the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens. Besides,the Ancient Egyptian collection is the largest outside of Cairo, and the hoard of Roman silver, unearthed in Suffolk in 1942, is nothing short of impressive. |  |
| Warwick Castle If you're looking for a truly memorable English excursion for the whole family, and one that offers a fascinating insight into life through exhibitions,you couldn't do much better than visit Warwick Castle. Located in the beautiful city of Warwick on the River Avon, this impressive fortress has dominated the landscape and history of the region for more than 900 years. |  |
1. Where can visitors appreciate exhibits from different countries?
| A．Tower of London. | B．Stonehenge. | C．The British Museum. | D．Warwick Castle. |
| A．It reflects life of different stages. | B．It provides fun games for children. |
| C．It is more suitable for a family tour. | D．It encourages tourists to book tickets. |
| A．Wonderful exhibits. | B．Impressive landscapes. |
| C．An extremely long history | D．An audio-visual experience. |
6 . SWITZERLAND TRIP PLANNING
Best Time to Go
Like any other country, you can visit Switzerland at any time of the year and have a fantastic time. However, there’s always a ‘best’ time for what you want to do there so it is always worth checking the seasons. It all depends on what your planned activities are. If you are intending to ski and snowboard, best to go when the snow is at its peak time. Activity in Switzerland can be broken down into three tourist seasons: Low Season (Oct. —Mar.), Mid Season! Apr. —Jun. & Sep.) and High Season (Jul., Aug. & Dec. —Apr. / In this season, everything is open and busy, and watch your budget).
Rough Budget
Switzerland is an expensive country to travel around but it is possible to travel here for approximately $ 70—100 per day if you stay in hostels, cook most of your meals and use local transport only when necessary. You’ll find that food is quite expensive as well as accommodation. However, the entire experience is 100% worth it. Here’s a rough cost of basic commodities.
Accommodation
Budget: $ 30—60 dorms / $ 80—120 budget hotels
Mid-range: $ 150—200
Splurge: $ 250—350+
Food (Typical Meal For One)
Self-catering lunch; $ 10—25
Restaurant: $ 20 lunch / $ 40 dinner
Very nice restaurant: $ 60+
Transport
City Buses: $ 2. 50—5
Intercity Trains: $ 25—50
Exciting Things to Do in Switzerland
With so much to see and do in Switzerland, planning a trip can be tough. Here are the things that we highly recommend doing in Interlaken as it is the adventure capital of Switzerland!
Whether you like skydiving, paragliding, or going on a jet boat, Interlaken offers everything and more for all adventure-seekers and anyone who loves the outdoors. Skydiving in Switzerland is a BUCKET LIST come true for any adventure-seeker. It is absolutely incredible and is something we highly recommend. So check out our full article on things to do in Interlaken for some ideas and see all the adventurous activities available in the area this year!
1. Which can contribute to your budget of $ 70 — 100 per day when traveling in Switzerland?| A．Choosing hotels for accommodation. | B．Cooking meals as much as you can. |
| C．Adopting local means of transport. | D．Attempting to travel in peak seasons. |
| A．You can enjoy yourself to the fullest when going skiing any time in Switzerland. |
| B．Interlaken also offers water activities besides adventure activities like skydiving. |
| C．Both accommodation and hiking in the mountain are expensive in Switzerland. |
| D．Planning a trip in Interlaken can be tough because the activities are dangerous. |
| A．A geography book about Switzerland. | B．An English textbook. |
| C．A composition on Switzerland. | D．A travel brochure. |
7 . Portugal’s most beautiful seaside destinations
The long coastline of Portugal is extraordinarily diverse. Wind your way along it and you will find true Portugal,its history,its heart and its soul.
Cascais
Originally a little whitewashed fishing village, Cascais became a summer residence for wealthy noblemen in the late 19th century. It is now a busy, modern town, but along its shoreline,it still has palatial villas (富丽堂皇的别墅), many of which have been turned into hotels,and its pretty town square and old streets have kept their character.
Comporta
This little village has,until recently,been a secret of the experts. With hotels now starting to open,the locals make the most of it before the crowds come. Blue waters wash such-picture-perfect white sands that it’s hard to believe you’re in Europe: walk the beach at sunset, or weave your way on horseback through the green rice fields before a meal of the freshest of fish on the seashore.
Zambujeira do Mar
Standing between the fierce Atlantic and the plains of the Alentejo,the little fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar has one of the regions most beautiful beaches, backed by high rock cliffs. For five days in August, one of Portugal’s biggest youth music festivals, MEO Sudoeste, is held here. Dates for 2020 are August 4-8.
Lagos
White-washed Lagos manages to maintain its character and charm while offering a lively nightlife for locals and tourists. An important naval centre in the 15th century, Lagos was also capital of the Algarve from 1576-1756. Extensively damaged in the 1755 earthquake,the town now consists of mostly 18th and 19th-century buildings. Visit Santo Antonio Church for its blue and white tiles and gilded (镀金的) woodwork.
1. Which place is still a destination full of mysteries?| A．Lagos. | B．Comporta. |
| C．Cascais. | D．Zambujeira do Mar. |
| A．It is a remote village. | B．It faces the Pacific Ocean. |
| C．It hosts a music festival. | D．It lies on high rock cliffs. |
| A．14-15th centuries. | B．15-16th centuries. |
| C．16-17 th centuries. | D．18-19th centuries. |
We often carry a lot of things when we’re traveling.
| A．So you’ll know what to bring. |
| B．It’s a kind of vacation, but without your parents. |
| C．Spend money from this wallet till you get to your destination. |
| D．Firstly, distribute (分开) your money if you’re traveling alone. |
| E．You can hook the key chain to your jeans or your handbag. |
| F．On short trips we take things like money, jewelry (首饰), house keys, etc. |
| G．Don’t carry it in your purse, just in case somebody is quick in stealing your purse. |
Saturday, March 24th
We have arrived in the hot, wet city of Bangkok. This is our first trip toThailand(泰国). All the different smells make us want to try the food. We aregoing to eat something special for dinner tonight. The hotel we are staying in is
cheap, and very clean. We plan to stay here for a few days, visit some places in
the city, and then travel to Chiang Mai in the North.
Tuesday, March 27th
Bangkok is wonderful and surprising! The places are interesting. We visited
the famous market which was on water, and saw a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Everything is so colorful, and we have taken hundreds of photos already! Later
today we will leave for Chiang Mai. We will take the train north, stay in
Chiang Mai for two days, and then catch a bus to Chiang Rai.
Friday, March 30th
Our trip to Chiang Rai was long and boring. We visited a small village in
the mountains. The village people here love the quiet life-no computers or
phones. They are the kindest people I have ever met. They always smile and say
"hello". Kathy and I can only speak a few words of Thai, so smiling is the best
way to show our kindness. I feel good here and hope to be able to come back
next year.
1. The diaries above show the writer's _____ days in Thailand.
| A．3 | B．7 |
| C．15 | D．30 |
| A．often feel hungry |
| B．can always find cheap things |
| C．can’t take any photos |
| D．can enjoy themselves |
| A．Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in the south of Thailand. |
| B．The writer left Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai by bus. |
| C．Chiang Rai is a boring city in the mountains. |
| D．The writer is traveling alone in Thailand. |
